In the heart of the Pacific, New Caledonia is a land of mixed cultures. Caledonians are proud of their island and unique identity. Accents, languages, gastronomy, New Caledonia’s culture is a true melting pot of influences, promise of rich encounters and exceptional journey.

Surf

Although surfing isn’t the most common board sport in New Caledonia, it’s still widely enjoyed, especially now that between traditional surfing, shortboarding and longboarding and other options, you won’t have a hard time finding the board / spot right for you!

Nouméa, the capital city of New Caledonia is on the ocean. Several bays extend along the city, providing magnificent beaches and points of view. Besides its natural features, Nouméa also has very attractive cultural offerings for tourists who choose to visit there.

From Ouvéa to the Isle of Pines, passing through Lifou, Tiga and Maré, the five islands bordering the Mainland, Grande Terre to the East are yet more gems to discover. From the blue hole of Hanawa at Ouvéa to the Warrior’s Leap at Wakone on Maré, via the Jokin Cliffs at Lifou or the Oro Bay on the Isle of Pines, let yourself be amazed!

The West Coast of the mainland (Grande Terre) shows off a great variety of scenery from its northern tip down to the area surrounding Nouméa. Characterised by both large spaces favouring cattle farming and a lagoon of stunning beauty, the West Coast is also host to a rich cultural heritage.

The central mountain range of the Mainland (Grande Terre) is a natural boundary, overlooking the very different faces of the East and West Coasts. Exposed to strong winds and therefore more humid, the eastern coast offers scenery with sumptuous flora. With a population of largely Melanesian origin, the East Coast has also retained a particularly charming flavour of authenticity.

The Great South, comprising the Mont-Dore and Yaté municipalities, is the most symbolic region for New Caledonia’s three main colours: blue, green and red. From the rainforest to the mining lands there are a thousand shades of green, while the ocean offers a dazzling palette of blues. But if one colour dominates the Great South, it is the specific red of its ground.

Ouvéa
The island the closest you’ll find to heaven

Set like a jewel in the middle of the crystal waters of the ocean and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ouvéa atoll has landscapes worthy of the world’s most beautiful postcards. Beyond its sparkling white sand beaches, the atoll is preserved from urban modernity, and a very special sort of sweet life is king. This all makes the island of Ouvéa more than worthy of its nickname as the island closest to paradise you’ll find!

In the 1970s, the young Japanese writer Katsura Morimura made no mistake: seduced by the beauty of the island and the warm welcome she received, she titled her novel The Island the Closest to Paradise. This literary work narrates the romantic love story between a young Japanese woman and a descendant of the country on the island. Although the writer has since passed away, her cultural heritage has survived. Young Japanese people, whether they’ve read the book or seen the movie of the same name, have a very special affection for the island. Some even come here on their honeymoon!

One of the most beautiful atolls in the South Pacific

Every year, the enormous beach that extend over nearly 25 km welcomes lots of foreign visitors on its immaculate white sand. Bordered by clear, bright water with changing color, the beach offers an idyllic view. Just a little imagination, and you could see yourself at the dawn of the humanity, untouched and pure.

The island has the modest dimensions of a miniature island. It’s only 35 km long and is crossed by a single road winding through countless coconut palms, and in places is only 40 meters wide!

In Ouvéa, two languages coexist: Iaaï, a Kanak language, and Faga-Uvea, of Polynesian origin. Indeed, the origins of the inhabitants of Ouvéa are a result of Polynesian and Melanesian migrations. This is why Polynesian influence is particularly marked here, all the way to the very name of the island: Uvéa, or Wallis Island in Polynesian.

What to do in Ouvéa

World-famous diving sites

Besides diving in the crystal-clear waters, the blue hole of Hanawa is an invitation to dive into the unknown. In Mouli, sea turtles, eagle rays and other marine wildlife enchant divers with a constant ballet under the pillars of the bridge.

Finally, in the north of the island, whether you’re at the Pleiades or at the edge of the Beautemps-Beaupré islands, the waters abound with world-famous diving spots. Whoever hasn’t dived in the Taureau pass, the Styx pass or in the cave of the Island of the Lizard are lucky that they still have the chance to discover these beautiful sites.

Nengone Village hotel is located right on one of the numerous white sand beaches of Mare Island, on a secluded creek lined by a tropical forest, it offers to its guests comfortable accommodation, various leisure activities and is famous for its friendly service.